Cricket Season Kicks off – St Bede’s vs William Hulme Grammar School

Mr S. Morgan – Head of PE

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The Cricket season fully kicked off in mid-May when, after a few weeks of indoor nets practice, the first hardball match against William Hulme Grammar school took place. The local derby had a further edge to it as it was the first round of the Manchester Schools Cup, with only the victor to progress.

Put in to bat first, Captain Haris M, was confident of posting a big score. After a tentative start (it was the first hardball game after all), he led the way and duly started to spray the opposition bowlers around the ground alongside fellow opener, Joseph B. These two were looking comfortable at the crease and approaching forced retirement at 30 not out, when disaster struck and they were both out playing almost identical shots to mid-off. St Bede’s didn’t panic and instead went on the attack. Accelerating the run rate from the middle order was Sammy C, who dispatched anything short of a length to the boundary. By the time he also fell a few short of the magic 30, St Bede’s were well on their way to setting a target of just over 100.

William Hulme started impressively and reached 50 in 7 overs, thanks in part to an unbeaten 30 by their opener. However, St Bede’s rallied with impressive bowling and wickets from Haris, Tobias N, Raffi Z, and Joseph, slowing the runs so considerably that the opponents needed 16 from the final over to win. This was too much for them to achieve, and St Bede’s won the match by 8 runs. It was a great first outing, and both sides competed so evenly that two further games were immediately scheduled for after half-term. If any students want to get involved in Cricket, please ask them to see either Mr Morgan or Mr Mitchell.

Up next for this team is a quarter-final home match against Wright Robinson on Tuesday 2nd June. We wish them the best of luck.